When World War II ended and Europe was rebuilding, there was another war of ideologies simmering in the shadows, waiting for a chance to seize control. These ideologies and the influential men conspiring to achieve their glory are the targets of sophisticated spies in a suspenseful tale of espionage, The Mozart Code, by Rachel McMillan.

The British Spies

Simon Barrington and Lady Sophia Huntington-Villiers are former colleagues from Britain’s wartime code-breaking operation at Bletchley Park, as well as childhood friends from neighboring estates and involved in a marriage of convenience. Now known as Simon Barre and Sophie Villiers, whose code name is Starling, they have been tasked by the Secret Intelligence Service to seek out information regarding the new political war being plotted amidst the ruins in the four quarters occupied by competing Allied forces in post-WWII Vienna, Austria.

“Vienna’s usual business of coffee and pastries and music was, on account of the war, swapped for espionage. One could cozy up and bribe people for secrets or trade, to advance the ideologies that would usher in the new war. As long as one had money and time, there were pockets to be filled and men whose allegiances were apt to turn in spite of Vienna’s reputation of being a neutral zone.” (Loc 256)

The Espionage

While Simon uses his privileged upbringing and elegant persona to gain entrance into the social circles of the elite, Sophie uses her reputation as a trustworthy, yet elusive, art enthusiast to connect with the few remaining men of affluence in the city.

“She had helped men from all levels of government, art, academia, and army rank restore some of the opulence and beauty Hitler had taken when he barged into the city and claimed the art as his own.” (Loc 361)

Between the two spies, they are piecing together a complete picture of the political ploys, the powerful men involved, and the ideologies taking hold as Vienna has become a new kind of battleground.

“Recently, author George Orwell had given name to the war of ideas and propaganda: the Cold War. Kalter Krieg. When a country was ripe for the picking, any ideology could find fertile soil to root and grow. And the rich would get richer.” (Loc 278)

But are Simon and Sophie prepared for the sinister side of this new battle when they become the targets?

Historical Context

I appreciated the author’s informative Historical Note, which was well-placed at the front of the book to prepare readers for the story to follow. I have little knowledge of the goings-on at Bletchley Park or of post-WWII espionage in general, so I found the impeccable historical research included throughout the book quite edifying. It provides some timely historical context to the current events occurring near that region recently.

While I did learn quite a bit, I must say that as a plot-driven story, it was challenging to follow at times, which made it difficult to stay immersed in it. I’m not familiar with the German language or any of the locations or composers mentioned, and there was a feel of somehow not meeting the expectation that as the reader I should have already been knowledgeable on the topics presented. There was a lot of factual information about real people and places mixed in, but unfortunately it was not well-blended enough to be seamless for the average reader.

Beautiful Prose

There was some beautifully descriptive prose in this book that created a vivid setting of post-war Vienna, making it easy to imagine the former splendor in the destruction. The incorporation of chess and music and history was clever. This story had a feel of Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code mixed with a pinch of The Queen’s Gambit by Walter Tevis.

The slow-burn love story, gradually revealed in flashbacks and minimal interactions, eventually turned into what I would consider a historical romance more than two-thirds of the way through. Until that point, it had read more like a subtly romantic historical mystery.

In Conclusion

Fans of historical spy mysteries will be captivated by the suspenseful political intrigue of post-war Vienna in The Mozart Code.

4 out of 5 Stars

"Did you know that chess had a significant role in the Salzburg home of the Mozart family? I suspect now that you're in Austria and so far away from many things that are familiar, you will appreciate the anecdote. And when you heart Mozart, as I am certain you will, it will not be difficult to find a common denominator. We are all a product of our heritage, are we not?"

Both Simon and Sophie grew up in privileged English society. But neither of them had an easy time of it. Through the years, their lives intersect casually and then more permanently. This book is split time novel spanning a shorter length of years - 1938 to 1947. Three countries provide the setting: United Kingdom, Austria (Vienna) and Czechoslovakia (Prague.) This is a stand-alone novel does connect with McMillan's previous book, The London Restoration. I enjoyed this book more because I read that book first.

I learned so much about Vienna's post-World War 2 history. I had no idea that city was once divided. I really have not read about this time period in fiction. I found it fascinating because the author did a tremendous amount of research.

Sophie's career that she created for herself involves finding lost items. Because of this, there were many players who came to the table. Not everyone who hired her had proper motives. Because there were several characters, occasionally I did get a bit lost trying to follow who was connected to who. That also might have been because there were a few double agents in the mix. This did not put me off from wanting to read the book, but I did wish I had taken notes of the characters.

This is an unconventional love story. The connections were meaningful, and I could not help but want to see them finally communicate how they really felt. I think this was intensified since the reader got to see several interactions throughout the decade covered in this book.

This book is also a tribute to Vienna. I did get caught up in the story. But I wish I would have looked at some pictures along the way as I think I would appreciated even more the places mentioned in the book.

This book does not really contain faith elements. There was a little bit of minor swearing, but it fit the context of the story, so it did not bother me. The romance was appropriate with relational boundaries. I am glad that I read it, and I do recommend it to anyone who enjoys a historical mystery with several suspenseful scenes.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. I definitely wanted to read and review it. All opinions in this review are my own.

WWII is over and Vienna and Prague are struggling to recover. Simon and Sophie are British spies working there in a complicated story of intrigue, romance, betrayal and espionage.

We met Simon and Sophie in The London Restoration but here they are the leads in a story that transports us to post WWII Vienna and Prague. I was completely absorbed in Simon and Sophie's relationship from the getgo and it was what kept bringing me back each time to the story. Their story.

Yes, there's some mystery and suspense plus lots to learn about the 4-quartered city of Vienna (who knew? Rachel did!) and the industry in retrieving all the artefacts that were stolen by the Nazis. But this was all frosting to the sumptuous love affair that McMillan kindly gives us front row seats too.

Simon and Sophie are old friends. We get to read the backstory of their beginning. And it was an instant intense connection between two highly intelligent and passionate people. Both from wealthy backgrounds, and like us all our beginnings have such an impact on who we become and how that plays out in relationships and affairs of the heart. I loved how McMillan reflected both characters vulnerabilities in themselves and also in their friendship.

From early on in their friendship they were clearly devoted to the other; they had a sixth-sense about each other's presence and there was a deep longing when apart for long periods of time. Together, there were sparks and passion. I enjoyed how subtly McMillan brought the sexual tension between them onto the page.

I'll stop there with the gush otherwise I'm likely to give too much away.

As other reviewers have mentioned, there is a complexity to the story. Both Simon and Sophie have separate 'stories", he chasing a somebody who could be dangerous to the Allies, she brokering the finding and delivering of a particular 'death mask' of Mozart. Once again, McMillan weaves their pasts through each of the stories plus there's lots of spying and espionage going on, some of which one can miss if not fully wedded to the page.

Like all McMillan stories, there's a sophistication to her voice and much revelation of character through Simon and Sophie's inner ruminations.

But I kept coming back for them. Simon and Sophie. And McMillan takes us on a merry dance, will she, won't she, will he, won't he that keeps us guessing. It's wonderfully portrayed and rare to read such intensity and vibrancy in a Thomas Nelson story.

I was very fortunate to receive an early ebook copy from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley on the full expectation of procuring a copy for myself for my bookshelf. This had no bearing on my review.

This is definitely a slower read… one of those sumptuous, detail-heavy historical reads that I know many people love. I tend to find them a little slow, but if that’s your cup of tea, you’re going to love this one!

It’s beautifully written! Her characters and writing are so good. The characters are complex, the plot intriguing, and she brings everything to life in vivid detail! I didn’t want to say sumptuous again, but there’s no other word that so accurately sums up her writing style! It’s rich and vivid and comes alive, even with the slow pace… and even the setting becomes another character! And post WWII Vienna makes for a fascinating setting!

But therein lies the (quite minor) issue that took a little of the enjoyment of this book out for me… and this is totally a personal taste thing, not a quality issue, but I personally can not stand the smell of cigarette smoke because it makes me feel ill. And there is a fair bit of smoking in this novel (which is totally historically accurate for the era), and as I saw another reviewer comment, ‘Rachel’s writing is so vivid you can almost smell the cigarette smoke’. I can attest to the accuracy of this, because I found that the fact that I could almost smell the cigarette smoke pulled me out of scenes time and time again because I was cringing away from the smell 😂 So in reality, the thing that I didn’t like is actually a huge compliment to her writing ability!

I definitely recommend to lovers of historical fiction who don’t mind a slower paced novel!

Thank you so much to @thomasnelson @tnzfiction and @netgalley for the ARC. I was only asked for an honest review in return.

A fascinating piece of historical fiction! Chess and Mozart, architecture and antiquities, espionage and a slow-burning romance--all themes we've come to expect from Rachel McMillan--woven into an intriguing split-time set to the strains of Der Messias (Mozart's adaptation of Handel's Messiah.).

While this is a stand-alone novel, it will be especially enjoyed by those who have read McMillan's The London Restoration.

Maps of post WWII occupied Austria (Vienna) and Czechoslovakia (Prague) helped to visualize Simon and Sophie's movements. This book takes place back at the beginning of WWII and forward to the start of the Cold War. Sophie specializes in missing artifacts and is asked to find Mozart's Mask. As she searches for the mask, she discovers pieces of Mozart's music that have hidden clues. Simon is involved in a chess game with an unknown partner. Each chess move is a clue. All clues lead to the Communist party. At the heart, is Simon and Sophie's love story that started at the beginning of the war and culminates at the end with secrets revealed, death and a lot of pain. I do not consider this an easy book to read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

A great historical fiction that draws you into post-WWII Vienna and Prague. I learned so much about life in Europe after WWII that I didn't know I didn't know thanks to Rachel McMillan's beautiful writing and meticulous research. While it took a little while to really get into the book and follow it's story, by the end I was on the edge of my seat and couldn't put it down. This book was unexpected. A story involving intellect, chess, art, espionage, and multiple mysteries that you didn't see coming.

I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

REVIEW: Wow, what a powerful story, filled with strong, larger-than-life characters. I enjoyed the backdrop of Vienna and Prague, as the author whisks readers back to a time of rebuilding and all the uneasiness of making sure the most precious works of art get into the right hands, and countries. The author takes her time in showing the reader snippets of history and the world around the main characters as they work to uncover, espionage, mysteries, and real love along the way.

The author has Brent and Diane (from her previous novel) pop in and out of this story filled with twists and turns, as they fight the war on and off the field. Sophie and Simon are walking a fine line with their secrets, trying to keep each other safe and still do their jobs. Sometimes it was just impossible. What would they do for their country? For the one they loved? One wrong move and everyone dies.

It was interesting and fun to see how the author incorporated her love of Mozart into this story. The authors love of his music shines throughout this novel. It was delightfully tied together, as Sophie adores Mozart’s music so much it plays in her head and helps in her work situations.

Readers are thrown all which ways as Simon and Sophie dance around their feelings and try to respect one another along the way. This is a standalone novel with memorable characters you won’t want to miss.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

Rachel McMillan’s The Mozart Code is an exciting read set in Austria during the aftermath of World War II. Full of intrigue, readers will enjoy following Simon and Sophia’s journey as they search for Mozart’s death mask – all while a cold war looms and danger lurks around every corner. With layers of romance, a past full of pain, and a present of uncertainty, this book is utterly captivating. Prepare for twists and turns and you immerse yourself in this fascinating story! Rachel McMillan is a storyteller you will not want to miss!

I received this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

I enjoy WWII-era books, and I love Mozart, so I was quite intrigued by this book. However, it wasn't what I expected. Based on the description, I expected a solid treasure hunt as the main heroine looked for the lost Death Mask of Mozart. Sadly, that wasn't the case, as this book turned out to be more of a love story. There's more focus on courtship and marriage than I was led to believe from the blurb. The hunt for "treasure" is there, but it's not the prominent theme, as I'd hoped. I haven't read the first book in this series, and I didn't think I needed to as this sounded like it could stand alone. I'm not sure that's truly the case, as I did feel a bit lost at times. And some overdetailing created a lag in the pace on more than one occasion. That said, McMillan does craft well-rounded characters and vivid scene, though this book just wasn't for me.

I know a lot of people loved this book, but I just found it...confusing & complex. I had a hard time getting into it and then, following the story. Maybe I just can't follow the author's style. I've never read her books before, but I love historical fiction usually! It's my favorite genre and I was excited to read this but the more I read, the more confused I was, and I just couldn't follow the story. I usually love spy stories, especially WWII ones! I'm the minority, I know, but I'm glad others liked it!

I really wanted and even expected to love this book, but sadly, I didn't. First of all, I disagree strongly with all the comments I've seen in the book synopsis and other reviews that indicate this is a stand-alone. I believed them and spent much of the book feeling lost and wishing I knew what was going on because I have not read The London Restoration. The face that the timeline of this book kept jumping around from post-WW2 to pre-WW2 to during WW2 did not help either. I also felt like the author expected me to read a lot between the lines of the dialogue, and apparently, I'm not good at that because I frequently had no clue what people were saying or what they meant or why the other character responded in the way they did. The Mozart code itself made no sense to me, and I have no idea why it was important to the story. I liked the story, but I felt disoriented and lost too often while reading it which really took away from the enjoyment for me.

What I did like about the story was learning about post-war Vienna and Prague. I really had no idea all the political maneuvering and spying that went on in those cities at that time, and this was a mostly fun way to learn about it. I did wish for more of a spiritual component to this book as I felt that was quite lacking and could have been very meaningful. It seemed that the characters from the previous book had strong faiths, but that didn't really make much of a dent in this one.

3.5 stars

Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary digital copy of The Mozart Code by Rachel McMillan. I voluntarily agreed to read and review this book by publication. My opinions are my own, and nothing has influenced my rating.

The Mozart Code is a well-researched novel set in the aftermath of WWII. As the British and American fight Russia’s determination to spread communism across eastern Europe. Austria is teetering on the edge and must be saved. The characters are intriguing, and the plot is complicated.

Unfortunately, the tale is so enmeshed in historical details in the first half of the book and told without enough emotion, I almost gave up on it. I’m glad I continued reading. The second half of the book is much better. The pacing picked up and drew me into the story, and I became vested in the characters.

Sophie Huntington Villiers is a complex character. Her parents only see her as a pawn in their game, wanting her to marry someone who would raise their social standing. Her grandmother made her vow to never give her heart. That caused her to deny her love for Simon.

Simon Barrington is our hero and spymaster of this tale. He’s loved Sophie for years and when they marry, he means every word he pledges, but he realizes he must not let Sophie know. I enjoyed his emotional struggle.

The romance between Sophie and Simon is strong, and I wanted them to find their happy ending. However, this novel is not supposed to be a romance, but historical fiction with plenty of espionage and suspense. For me that fell short until the last quarter of the book. I’m a true lover of history and have become entranced with WWII novels, so I’m surprised I didn’t become drawn into that aspect of the book.

If you enjoy well-researched historical fiction set in the aftermath of WWII as the allies race to stop Russia from increasing their stranglehold on Europe, then The Mozart Code may be the book for you. Happy reading!

I really enjoyed McMillan's last book, The London Restoration, and was eager to read The Mozart Code. I read about a fourth of this newest release, but just could not get into the story. I think the problem was much more me than it was the novel. I was focused on the word code in the title, and their was a bit too much Mozart for me. I was in the mood for a fast pace, and this novel has, at least in the first quarter, a slow pace with many details. I truly think it is a case of right book, wrong time, but right now I am not inclined to wade through. My confidence in the author does allow me to recommend the book. For many it will be the right book at the right time.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Mozart Code from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Let me begin by stating I respect an author who writes a story that is well researched, thought provoking, and complex. I don't like hand holding. I crave the challenge of putting the pieces together as I work my way through a book. Thank you Rachel McMillan, The Mozart Code delivers this in abundance. I will also state that I enjoyed our two main characters. In fact, as I began reading I had a sense of familiarity and had to pull out the author's last book to confirm my suspicion. Both Simon and Sophie played a secondary role in The London Restoration (this is not a series, so no need to read this one first). I was intrigued by them then, and I just love them now. They were unique and had plenty of character development. The romance between the two was rich, yet not overdone. There were also plenty of secondary characters allowing readers to ponder who the perpetrators really were before they were revealed (this was not predictable). Also, the book was wonderfully descriptive. Readers will smell the cigarettes, hear the notes from a piano, and feel the brush of a cool night breeze as they turn the pages. Furthermore, there is so much history in this book. Vienna was at a loss of identity when the Cold War began. Ideologies were diverse and at war with one another. This book takes a deep dive into the good and evil that such ideologies can bring. This book really made me think, was well written and very enjoyable (McMillan's best yet). I highly recommend.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are entirely my own.

The Mozart Code is set in post-World War II Vienna and Prague. While the war was over, these cities still experienced severe deprivation as their countries were being rebuilt and politicians decided what form of government they would have. This is the scenario Simon and Sophie find themselves. Both of these upper crust Brits, now serving as spies, were fleeing from their past and the expectations society and their parents placed upon them. Given the secrecy of their work, they could only trust each other but even then they were not able to be completely forthright. Author Rachel McMillan uses flashbacks to fill in information regarding the past of both characters which helps the reader to understand the choices they make. As the book unfolds, the reader learns more about Simon and Sophie and Simon learns important information about his own background that helps to tie the whole story together.

The Mozart Code contains plenty of political intrigue, a thrilling spy story, and some romance thrown in for good measure. An enjoyable book about an aspect of history we often overlook.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received The Mozart Code from Thomas Nelson Press via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Rachel McMillan has done it again! Much like The London Restoration, her latest offering, The Mozart Code, is an incredibly well written book - so rich in history with clever tales of espionage, combined with a wonderfully moving romance.

‘I often wonder if men do not revel in the carnage of war because it allows them to rebuild the world to suit whatever utopia they imagine. They can ascribe their own traits and philosophies in the reconstruction of devastation. They can compose, as it were.’

Although a standalone novel set in post World War II entering into the Cold War, it does commence shortly after The London Restoration. This time around Rachel gives her readers the story of Simon Barre and Sophie Villiers, who are both now working as operatives in Vienna after World War II. I adored The London Restoration and believe reading this first book would be beneficial to the overall backstory of this world Rachel has so meticulously presented, giving readers a deeper appreciation and immersion.

‘As if each city had chosen human portals through which to whisper their secrets … in a city of spies, shadows met every corner and crept over every wall.’

The Mozart Code tells the tale of spies in Vienna after WWII due to the seeming threat of communism. This is a well crafted mystery highlighting the division and corruption in both Vienna and Prague combined with the much sought after recovery of relics and treasures thought to have perhaps been lost during the war. Rachel tells the story of a sinister underworld and the incredible danger faced in trying to find answers.

It is also a romance with the chemistry between Simon and Sophie simmering away over many years and circumstances, they now find themselves bringing it to the boil. Although in a marriage of convenience, their history dictates a far deeper relationship. Just like the spy saga, their relationship is complex and unpredictable but similarly proving to be a rich and rewarding read.

“We’ve been like a string of dynamite burning for years and it’s finally reached the end of its fuse.”

Although some readers claim to get a little lost in both the depth and breadth of detail, I have nothing but praise for Rachel’s writing talent. Her use of language is sublime with everything from the vibrant imagery of the darkened Vienna streets to the smouldering tension and unspoken words between Simon and Sophie.

Much like The London Restoration oozed Rachel’s love of all things British, The Mozart Code is like a companion love story to both Vienna and Prague with the addition of Mozart and music. If you love quality European historical fiction, spy stories, romantic thrillers then look no further.

“You’re not in love with me, you know.” Simon straightened. “I don’t recall telling you I was in love with you.” He had long since determined that the word would send her far from his orbit. “Just a look there. You got all misty and far away. We’ll make it a rule. Never say it to me and I won’t say it to you.”







This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Having read and enjoyed Ms. McMillan’s The London Restoration, where I first met Sophie and Simon, I was looking forward to reading more of their story in this book. I was a bit disappointed. I appreciate the extensive research evident in the detailed descriptions of Vienna and Prague and the post-war atmosphere; however, I found the plot to be very complex, confusing, and hard to follow at times. I enjoyed the flashbacks to Sophie and Simon’s backstory but just could not “feel” their relationship in the main story. Since I had to do a lot of skimming to get through the story, it was not a satisfying read for me—just too much going on that did not hold my interest.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are completely my own.

The Mozart Code reintroduces us to Lady Sophie Huntington Villiers and Simon Barrington, first met in The London Restoration. Although the second in a series, this book easily stands alone.

In The Mozart Code, Sophie and Simon find themselves in Vienna and other parts of Europe in the early days of the Cold War. Author Rachel McMillan has done her research and brings the time and place to life. Unlike most spy novels, the pace here is slow and deliberate. The plot is complex, and Sophie and Simon share great chemistry. The history, the location, and the added element of the search for Mozart’s death mask make a great read. This is historical fiction at its finest.

Many thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for my copy. The opinions are my own.